Special Olympics 2011

When your family has been touched by someone with special needs I believe that it opens your eyes to see the world a little bit differently.  You start to look at things through THEIR eyes and once again you are aware of the beauty that surrounds you. At the very same time you also want to hold them close and keep them from this world that you know from experience can be a very scary place.

One of the most beautiful attributes that our special once possess is their self confidence. They believe that they have the ability to do anything they want to try, and why would they think anything else?! 

This is why I love attending the Special Olympics.



I think we sometimes forget what are loved ones with special needs are able to accomplish. We are told from the beginning about all the things they will probably never do, places they probably will never go, and the lives they probably will never have. I don’t know about you, but I am constantly being shown that the possibilities are endless if you give them tools they need to achieve their goals.   

(this is a picture of me and one of our Challenger teammates - so excited to see her!)

I apologize I didn’t take very many pictures, but I got caught up and enjoyed the moments I was witnessing rather than trying to get the best shot.  It is difficult to put into words what it is like seeing the smile of someone who has difficulty walking, cross a runner’s finish line.

The athletes of the Special Olympics are truly amazing, and I’m not gonna lie – I probably couldn’t do half of the things they can do . . . okay . . . less than half.  I really think that more people need to attend the Special Olympic Games, to cheer on the athletes, to be a part of something life changing, and to be reminded that anything is possible when someone believes in you.

To learn how you can be apart of The Special Olympics go to specialolympics.org

Music therapy

What is music therapy?


Music therapy uses music as a powerful tool to create positive behavior changes.  Music therapy can enhance development in areas such as social/emotional, cognitive/academic and fine/gross motor skills. Music interventions are chosen specifically to meet individual developmental goals such as improving hand/eye coordination or increasing verbal skills
 
How can music therapy help a child who has Down syndrome?


Music therapy can be powerful in the life of a child who has DS. Music therapy goals often overlap and reinforce skill areas which are being addressed during the child's other therapies.  The use of music and rhythm can energize and organize a child's environment and encourage the child to participate. Music may also be used to relax a child when an environment becomes over stimulating.

If you would like to learn more about Music Therapy at the DSC be sure to contact them.

Down Syndrome Connection of the Bay Area

101-J Town and Country Drive Danville, CA 94526
Phone: 925-362-8660

The first model agency representing people with Down syndrome has been launched to coincide with World Down Syndrome Day. 

Some 20 people were selected, aged five to 33, after experts in the business rated their self-confidence in front of the camera. They will be available for photo shoots, advertising, catalogues and catwalk shows as part of the I'm I'm able 2 Model venture, and will be paid similar fees to other models.

Sheila Campbell, chief executive of the Down Syndrome Centre, said people with the disability needed to be better represented.

"For many of us, the experience of interacting with a person with Down syndrome has been increasingly normalised in recent times," Ms Campbell said.

"They are active contributors to communities on many levels and I'm able 2 Model will now provide a platform for them to be portrayed alongside their peers in media representation."

Ireland has one of the highest rates of people with the disability at one in every 500 births, as opposed to one in 1,000 in countries such as the US, Spain and Norway.

The company will be operated in conjunction with 1st Option Model Management, based in central Dublin and headed by Jules Fallon. Ms Fallon said she did not hesitate in getting involved in the project.

"Children with special needs such as Down syndrome have dreams and aspirations just like the rest of us, as do their parents," Ms Fallon said.

"Society no longer has a one-size-fits-all mentality so it's time we started to celebrate that people come in all different shapes, sizes and abilities.

"We are very excited about this project and are looking forward to opening new doors and revenue streams for people with Down syndrome."

Ms Campbell said they have not yet received any bookings but she is confident of business.